Constitution of the IFRC

8/3/2019 Constitution of the IFRC

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CONSTITUTION

Revised and adopted by the VIth Session of the General Assembly

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), 23-26 November 1987

Amended by the VIIIth Session of the General Assembly

Budapest (Hungary), 25-28 November 1991

Revised and adopted by the 12th Session of the General Assembly

Geneva (Switzerland), 23-28 October 1999

Revised and adopted by the 16th Session of the General Assembly

Geneva (Switzerland), 20-22 November 2007


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PREAMBLE

We, the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, being the basic units and

vital force of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, founded in1919 the League of Red Cross Societies as a purely voluntary non-political, non

governmental, non sectarian organisation, to anticipate, diminish and relieve themisery produced by disease and calamity in a systematic approach1.

We are committed to protecting human dignity and to improving the lives of

vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.

We carry out our humanitarian activities in conformity with the Fundamental

Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Humanity,Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality*.To alleviate human suffering, we work as auxiliaries to our public authorities in the

humanitarian field and through our global network of National Societies and theMovement.

With the objectives of ensuring the co-ordination of our international activities, the

development and implementation of common standards and policies, organizational

development, capacity building and effective international disaster management, and

of having an international presence and recognition as a global partner in

humanitarian assistance, we therefore have agreed to unite ourselves and to establish

an international body, named the International Federation of Red Cross and RedCrescent Societies, whose general aim is to inspire, encourage, facilitate and

promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities.

With these objectives in mind, we hereby set out the constitutional provisions of this

international body and the related rights and duties by which we agree to abide.

We further recall that the mottoes Inter arma caritas and Per humanitatem ad

pacem together express the ideals of the Movement.

1Bulletin of The League of Red Cross Societies, Geneva, Switzerland, May 15, 1919


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Character of

the

Organisation

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SECTION I

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION

Article 1Membership Organisation

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent

Societies (the International Federation) is a membershiporganisation established by and comprised of the National Societies.

Status in the

Movement

2 The International Federation is a component of the International Red

Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the "Movement").

Legal

personality

Article 2Legal Personality

The International Federation acts under its own Constitution with all

the rights and obligations of a corporate body with legal personality.

Head-quarters

Article 3

Headquarters

Unless otherwise decided by the General Assembly of the

International Federation (the General Assembly), the headquartersof the International Federation is in Geneva, Switzerland.

General Object

Article 4

General Object

The general object of the International Federation is to inspire,

encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms ofhumanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to

preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing

to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the

world.

Functions 1

Article 5

Functions

To achieve the general object as defined in Article 4 of the


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Constitution, in conformity with the Fundamental Principles and in

the context of the Statutes of the Movement and the resolutions of theInternational Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (the

"International Conference"), the functions of the International

Federation shall be the following:

A. Services to National Societies:

a) act as the permanent body of liaison, co-ordination and study

among the National Societies and to give them assistance;

b) encourage and promote in every country the establishment anddevelopment of an independent and duly recognised National

Society;

c) assist the National Societies in risk reduction, in disaster

preparedness, in the organisation of their relief actions and in

relief operations themselves;

d) encourage and co-ordinate the participation of the National

Societies in activities for safeguarding public health and the

promotion of social welfare in co-operation with their appropriatenational authorities;

e) encourage and co-ordinate between National Societies the

exchange of ideas for the education of children and young people

in humanitarian ideals and for the development of friendly

relations between children and young people of all countries, and

to share good practices for the participation of youth in volunteerservices and decision-making processes; and

f) assist National Societies to recruit volunteers and members fromthe population as a whole and to promote awareness and

understanding of the Fundamental Principles and ideals of the

Movement to them and to the general public.

B. Humanitarian activities:

a) bring relief by all available means to all disaster- affected persons;

b) organise, co-ordinate and direct international relief actions inaccordance with the "Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red

Crescent Disaster Relief" adopted by the International

Conference;

c) bring relief to victims of armed conflicts, to assist in the promotion

and the development of international humanitarian law and to

disseminate this law and the Fundamental Principles, in

accordance with the agreements concluded with other componentsof the Movement; and


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d) be the official representative of the National Societies in the

international field, among others for dealing with any matters inconnection with decisions and recommendations by the General

Assembly, and to be the guardian of their integrity and the

protector of their interests.

2 The International Federation shall in addition carry out any other

functions validly given to it by the General Assembly.

3 The International Federation shall carry out the mandates entrusted to

it by the International Conference.

4 In each country the International Federation shall act through or in

agreement with the National Society and in conformity with the laws

of that country.

SECTION II

NATIONAL SOCIETIES

Article 6

Members of the International Federation

The membership of the International Federation shall include allNational Societies duly admitted as members as per Article 7

(hereinafter the National Societies), on which the strength of the

International Federation and its ability to achieve its general objectdepends.

Eligibility 1

Article 7

Admission

To be eligible for membership of the International Federation aNational Society must be recognised by the International Committee

of the Red Cross.

Admission 2 A National Society becomes a member when it is admitted to the

International Federation in accordance with this Constitution and the

Rules of Procedure.

Conditions for

Admission

3 Any National Society wishing to become a member of the

International Federation shall apply to the President of the

International Federation (the "President") and shall formallyundertake to respect the provisions of the Constitution.


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Decision of

Admission

4 The admission of a National Society is subject to decision by the

General Assembly. Any applicant National Society may be admittedprovisionally by the Governing Board until the General Assembly

takes a decision. A National Society admitted provisionally may take

part in the work of the International Federation but has no voting

right and cannot be elected to any official position in the International

Federation.

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Article 8

Rights and Duties of National Societies

In order to ensure that the International Federation is able to fulfil the

functions set for it, and to guarantee the equal rights of its

membership, National Societies have the following rights and duties:

Rights A. Rights:

a) National Societies shall have the right to be represented at and to

participate in the work of the General Assembly, with the right tovote;

b) National Societies may stand for election and nominate candidates,

to all official bodies, commissions and committees of the

International Federation;

c) National Societies may call upon and receive from the

International Federation any of the services and information whichthe International Federation has the power and the ability to

provide, in conformity with its general object, functions,resources, and legal obligations;

d) National Societies may submit, on their own initiative, in their

name or in that of a group of National Societies, proposals to the

General Assembly and to other bodies, commission and

committees of the International Federation and;

e) National Societies may call upon sister National Societies forsupport in accordance with the applicable rules of co-ordination

and co-operation.

Duties B. Duties:

a) National Societies agree to act at all times in accordance with the

Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

Movement;

b) National Societies agree to work diligently in pursuit of their

humanitarian objectives as set out in the Statutes of the


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International Movement, including minimising the impacts of

disaster and disease; strengthening local capacity to addressvulnerability; promoting respect for diversity and human dignity;

and alleviating the suffering resulting from armed conflict and

internal strife;

c) National Societies agree to abide by the policies, decisions andrules adopted by the Council of Delegates and the International

Conference;

d) National Societies, following the principle of Unity, agree to

respect the territorial integrity and independence of one another;

e) National Societies agree to provide the necessary support to the

International Federation in the pursuit of its general object and

functions;

f) National Societies agree to follow the rules set out in thisConstitution, as well as to apply the decisions adopted by the

General Assembly and by the Governing Board;

g) National Societies recognize the necessity of ensuring theircollective integrity, and agree to co-operate fully with the

Compliance and Mediation Committee as well as to take the

necessary steps to ensure adherence to the standards of integrity

required of them;

h) National Societies agree to remit on the date set out in the

Financial Regulations an annual contribution to the InternationalFederation of the amount approved by the General Assembly;

i) National Societies agree to contribute to the InternationalFederation-wide reporting and performance management systems,

once such a system have been adopted by the General Assembly,

and to provide the International Federation with annual reports

and audited financial statements and;

j) National Societies agree to inform the International Federation,

through the Secretary General, of any proposed amendments to

their Statutes and of the composition of their main governing andmanaging bodies.

2 National Societies shall enjoy all the rights granted to them and

comply with all the duties stipulated in this Constitution.

3 None of the provisions of this Constitution shall limit in anyway the

National Societies mandate as set out in the Statutes of the

Movement


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Article 9

Cessation of Membership

Dissolution 1 A National Society shall cease to be a member of the International

Federation when it is dissolved and in the circumstances set out in

paragraphs 2 and 3 below.

Withdrawal 2 Any National Society may withdraw from the International

Federation provided it gives the President six months written notice

of withdrawal.

Expulsion 3 A National Society may be expelled from the International Federation

by decision of the General Assembly in accordance with Article 13 of

this Constitution.

Article 10

Integrity and Compliance

Standards of

Integrity

1 National Societies and constitutional bodies of the International

Federation are expected to comply with applicable integrity policies

adopted by the General Assembly and National Societies also with

the duties of National Societies as set out in this Constitution.

Breaches of

Integrity

2 Any failure to comply with the policies or duties referred to in

paragraph 1 above will be considered a breach of integrity and shallbe referred to the Compliance and Mediation Committee, as set out in

Article 31.

Article 11

Financial Default

Any failure to pay the required statutory contributions shall be

subject to the rules and regulations stipulated under Article 35 of this

Constitution.

Suspension 1

Article 12

Suspension

The Governing Board, after examining the recommendation of a

Panel formed by the Compliance and Mediation Committee and in

accordance with the Rules of Procedure, may decide to suspend a

National Society from membership status in the InternationalFederation.


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Grounds for

suspension

2 A National Society may be suspended:

a) if it ceases to fulfil the conditions for admission provided for in

this Constitution, in particular if, because of modification, its

Statutes are no longer in conformity with the Fundamental

Principles;

b) if the National Society on its own initiative or under pressure from

the government of its country contravenes any of the Fundamental

Principles;

c) if the National Society uses its connection with the InternationalFederation for a purpose which is not in conformity with any of

the Fundamental Principles;

d) if the National Society acts contrary to the general object of the

International Federation and persistently refuses to comply with

its duties under the Constitution; or

e) if the National Society is considered by the Governing Board to

having committed a breach of integrity.

Consequences

of suspension

3 A suspended National Society shall immediately lose its rights as a

member.

4 An individual holding any office on appointment by a suspended

National Society, except such individuals elected or appointed to

such office in their personal capacity, shall forfeit the right to perform

any official function -

5 Any vacancy created by the suspension of a National Society shall be

filled by the competent body, committee or commission according tothe procedures for appointment or election to such office at its next

session.

Reinstatement 6 The Governing Board may revoke the suspension of a suspended

National Society when the reasons for suspension no longer apply.

Expulsion 1

Article 13

Expulsion

When the Governing Board determines that the continued

membership of a National Society is a grave risk to the International

Federation or its membership, the Governing Board may recommend

to the General Assembly, as a last resort, expulsion of that Society.

Consequencesof expulsion

2 An expelled National Society shall remain liable for all obligations tothe International Federation or its membership incurred prior to

expulsion.


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3 An expelled National Society shall immediately lose its rights as a

member.

4 An individual holding any office on appointment by an expelled

National Society, except such individuals elected or appointed to

such office in their personal capacity, shall forfeit the right to perform

any official function

Readmission 5 A National Society which has been expelled can reapply for

admission following the procedures laid down in Article 7 once thereasons for expulsion no longer apply.

SECTION III

BODIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION

Article 14

Statutory Bodies

The Statutory Bodies of the International Federation, are those bodies

having governance functions, which are: The General Assembly;

The Governing Board;

The President;

and the body with executive functions, which is the SecretaryGeneral.

General Assembly

Article 15

Definition

Subject to the Constitution, the General Assembly shall be the

supreme governing body of the International Federation.

Article 16

Composition

The General Assembly shall be composed of the National Societies.


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Article 17

Functions

The General Assembly shall, among others, exercise the following

functions:

Policy a) determine the general policies that govern the InternationalFederation and the National Societies;

Admission/

Sanctions

b) take decisions on the admission of National Societies and

expulsion as set out in Articles 7 and 13 respectively;

Election

President

c) elect the President of the International Federation;

Election

Vice-

Presidents

d) elect those four National Societies, one from each region, which

shall be entitled to appoint a Vice-President of the International

Federation ("Vice-President");

Election

Societies

members of the

Governing

Board

e) elect the National Societies members of the Governing Board;

Appointment of

Constitutional

Bodies

f) appoint members of the constitutional commissions and

committees;

Representa-

tives

to Movement

bodies

g) designate the representatives of the International Federation to the

bodies of the Movement;

Other bodies h) set up other bodies, including, among others, advisory bodies and

bodies with legal status required for the activities of the

International Federation, and to appoint their members;

External

auditors

i) designate as external auditors, on the recommendation of the

Governing Board, a firm of internationally recognised independentauditors;

Budget j) approve, on the recommendation of the Governing Board, the

biennial plans, budgets and financial reports of the InternationalFederation;

k) take note of the report of the external auditors;

Statutory

contributions

l) approve, on the recommendation of the Governing Board and the

Finance Commission, the annual scale of contributions of theNational Societies;


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Constitution,

Rules of

Procedure and

other

regulations

m) amend the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure and adopt any

other regulations necessary for the implementation of theConstitution;

Reports n) consider the reports of the Governing Board and Secretary Generaland of all bodies set up by the General Assembly and discharge

the Secretary General and the Governing Board on its delegated

activities;

Proposals from

National

Societies and

bodies

o) decide on the proposals presented by National Societies, theGoverning Board and other bodies of the International Federation;

p) ratify general agreements concluded with the International

Committee of the Red Cross or any other internationalorganisation or institution that create obligations for National

Societies; and

Transfer of the

Headquarters

q) decide on the transfer of the headquarters of the InternationalFederation;

Delegation of

powers

2 The General Assembly may not delegate to another body of the

International Federation the powers defined in paragraph 1 of this

Article, with the exception of the following, which are hereby

delegated to the Governing Board between sessions of the GeneralAssembly and until the General Assembly decides otherwise:

a) set up commissions and committees, including, among others,those with legal status, required for the activities of the

International Federation, and to appoint their members;

b) decide on the reports of bodies set up by the General Assembly;

c) decide on proposals presented by National Societies or other

bodies of the International Federation; and

d) designate the representatives of the International Federation to the

bodies of the Movement;

Financial

implications

3 Before the General Assembly takes decisions involving expenditure,

the Secretary General, after having consulted the Finance

Commission, shall submit a report to it on the administrative and

financial implications of any such proposal. If the expenditure

proposed cannot be covered by the budget, no commitment in this

respect can be made before the General Assembly has taken the

necessary measures to make available the additional funds required.


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Ordinary

sessions

1

Article 18

Sessions of the General Assembly

The General Assembly shall meet in ordinary session once every two

years. Such sessions shall normally be held where the headquarters of

the International Federation are located.

2 A session of the General Assembly shall be held in the same place as

and before the International Conference when the latter has been

convoked.

Change of

place of the

session

3 In exceptional circumstances, the President, in consultation with the

Secretary General and with the agreement of the majority of the

members of the Governing Board, may change the place and/or the

dates of the session of the General Assembly.

Extraordinarysessions

4 An extraordinary session of the General Assembly shall be held in thesame place as and before any extraordinary session of the

International Conference when the latter has been convoked.

5 Extraordinary sessions of the General Assembly may also be held onthe initiative of the President in agreement with the majority of the

members of the Governing Board or on the initiative of at least thirty-

five percent of the National Societies.

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Article 19Quorum

With the exception of the quorum required to amend the Constitution,to transfer the headquarters of the International Federation and to

dissolve the International Federation, decisions taken at an ordinary

or extraordinary session of the General Assembly shall be valid only

with a quorum of fifty percent of the National Societies.

2 The quorum required to amend the Constitution, to transfer the

headquarters or to dissolve the International Federation, shall be

sixty-five percent of the National Societies.

3 Should less than fifty percent of the National Societies be inattendance at any ordinary or extraordinary session, the General

Assembly shall be re-convened after at least 24 hours have elapsed.

At such session, decisions shall be validly taken with a quorum of

twenty-five percent of the National Societies.

4 Should the provisional or adopted agenda include the admission of

National Societies or the expulsion of National Societies, the

adoption of the biennial budget, the transfer of the headquarters ofthe International Federation, the election to the positions referred to

in Article 33, the dissolution of the International Federation or


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amendments to the Constitution, another session shall be convened

not less than forty-five and not more than ninety days after the onepreceding it. At such a session, decisions shall be validly taken with

a quorum of twenty-five percent of the National Societies.

Article 20

Voting

1 Each National Society represented at the General Assembly shall

have one vote.

2 Except as otherwise provided in the Constitution, decisions of the

General Assembly shall be taken by a simple majority of the National

Societies present and voting.

Absolutemajority

3 An absolute majority of the National Societies present and voting isrequired to elect the President.

Qualified

majority of

sixty percent

4 A qualified majority of sixty percent of the National Societies present

and voting is required to admit National Societies (Article 7) andexpel National Societies (Article 13), to reconsider a decision

previously taken at the same session of the General Assembly, to

classify a matter as an important matter, and to decide on any matter

classified by the General Assembly as an important matter.

Qualified

majority ofseventy-five

percent

5 A qualified majority of seventy-five percent of the National Societies

present and voting shall be required to amend the Constitution(Article 46) to transfer the headquarters of the International

Federation (Article 17.1.q) and to dissolve the International

Federation (Article 44).

National

Societies

present and

voting

6 Within the context of the Constitution, the term "National Societies

present and voting" shall mean National Societies present and voting

for or against. National Societies abstaining from voting are

considered as not having voted.

Governing Board

Article 21

Definition

The Governing Board is the body which governs the International

Federation between sessions of the General Assembly.


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Article 22

Composition

The Governing Board shall be composed of :

a) the President;

b) the four Vice-Presidents;

c) the ex officio Vice-President;

d) twenty National Societies;

e) the Chair of the Finance Commission;

f) the Chair of the Youth Commission.

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Article 23

Functions

The Governing Board shall exercise the following functions :

a) decide on any matter assigned or delegated to it by the Constitution

or by the General Assembly;

b) appoint and dismiss the Secretary General of the International

Federation;

c) define, within the framework of the general policies determinedby the General Assembly, the policies for the various fields of

activity of the International Federation and the National Societies;

d) interpret the decisions of the General Assembly, advise the

President and give guidance and support to the Secretary General

in implementing the decisions of the General Assembly;

e) monitor on behalf of the General Assembly the implementation of

the mandates entrusted to the International Federation by the

International Conference;

f) draw up the provisional agenda of the General Assembly;

g) submit advice and proposals to the General Assembly when so

requested by the latter or on its own initiative;

h) submit to the General Assembly the proposed members of the

Election Committee;


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i) study any questions relating to the implementation of the functions

of the International Federation, and submit advice and proposalsin this respect to the General Assembly;

j) recommend to the General Assembly as external auditor a firm of

internationally recognised independent auditors;

k) examine the reports on activities as well as the financial and

budgetary reports and reports on risk matters presented by the

Secretary General and the Finance Commission, and recommend,

for final approval by the General Assembly, the biennial budget,

plans and financial reports of the International Federation,including the scale of contributions of National Societies and the

formula for fixing their financial participation;

l) ratify general agreements concluded with the International

Committee of the Red Cross and any other international

organisation or institution not requiring General Assemblyratification as set out in Article 17.1.p;

m) provisionally admit the National Societies,

n) apply any or a combination of the following sanctions towards

National Societies in case of a breach of integrity:

recommend a particular action to one or more National

Societies;

render the breach public or may make an appeal to the

conscience of the world;

terminate any International Federation support to the NationalSociety;

suspend the National Society;

take any other measure it deems appropriate;

as a last resort, recommend to the General Assembly that the

National Society be expelled

o) declare in default National Societies that have not paid their

annual contribution in accordance with Article 35;

p) approve the selection of candidates for appointment to the posts of

(or equivalent to) Deputy and Under Secretaries General or

Directors; and

q) approve the outline structure of the Secretariat of the International

Federation proposed by the Secretary General.

2 The Governing Board shall report to the General Assembly on the

accomplishment of its functions.

Financialimplications

3 The Governing Board must not take decisions involving expenditurenot included in the budget before the Secretary General and the

Finance Commission have submitted a report to it justifying the


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administrative and financial implication of any such proposal. If the

expenditure proposed cannot be covered, no commitment in thisrespect can be made before the General Assembly has taken the

measures to make available the additional funds required.

Emergency

authorisation

4 If in the opinion of the Governing Board an emergency exists and it is

impossible or impracticable to convoke a session of the GeneralAssembly, the Governing Board is authorised, subject to Article 43,

to take such measures as it deems necessary to deal with the

emergency. Decisions so reached by the Governing Board shall be

reported to and discharged by the General Assembly at its next

session.

5 If the Governing Board decides that there is an emergency affecting

the International Federation, the Secretary General shall as soon as is

practicable thereafter inform all National Societies that the Governing

Board has decided that an emergency exists, stating the nature of the

emergency and all decisions and actions taken by the GoverningBoard to deal with it.

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Article 24

Procedure

The Governing Board shall meet in ordinary session twice a year,

when convened by the President. In addition the President shall

convene the Governing Board on his/her own initiative or wheneverrequested by a majority of its members, and may also do so at the

request of the Secretary General.

2 The decisions of the Governing Board shall be valid with a quorum

of sixty percent of its members and shall be taken by a simplemajority of the members present and voting. In the event of a tie the

President shall have the casting vote. A decision to suspend or torecommend expulsion of a National Society shall be taken with a

qualified majority of sixty percent of the members of the Governing

Board.

3 The President may invite any person to attend the meetings of the

Governing Board as an observer.

1

President

Article 25

President of the International Federation

The President is the highest personality of the International


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Federation. The President shall be responsible to the General

Assembly for ensuring that the International Federation pursues itsgeneral object and exercises its functions as defined in the

Constitution. The President acts under the authority of the General

Assembly and of the Governing Board to guide the affairs of the

International Federation, including the activities of the Secretary

General, in conformity with the decisions of the General Assemblyand the Governing Board.

Functions 2 The President shall :

a) convene and preside over the sessions of the General Assembly

and the Governing Board;

b) present to the General Assembly a review of the state of the


c) present to the Governing Board and General Assembly the reportof a firm of internationally recognised independent auditors;

d) co-ordinate the work of the governance bodies, commissions and

committees of the International Federation;

e) represent the International Federation in its relations with the other

components of the Movement and with other international

organisations and institutions;

f) have the ability to call upon the Vice-Presidents and the Chair of

the Finance Commission, to assist him/her individually or

collectively, in his/her functions;

g) carry out any other function entrusted by the General Assembly or

by the Governing Board.

Delegation 3 The President may delegate a part of the functions under this Articleto any of the Vice-Presidents.

Replacement

during ameeting

4 The President may charge one of the Vice-Presidents with replacing

him/her during a meeting or part of a meeting.

Vacancy in the

office of the

President

5 In the event of a vacancy arising in the office of the President or thePresident being unable to carry out his/her functions, the Governing

Board, at its next ordinary session, shall designate a Vice-President

who shall serve as Acting President until the next session of the

General Assembly. At this session the General Assembly shall elect

the President to fill the vacancy for the remaining period of the

current term of office. Until the designation of a Vice-President as

Acting President by the Governing Board the ex-officio Vice-

President shall fulfil this function.


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Role of theVice-Presidents

1

Article 26

Vice-Presidents of the International Federation

The Vice-Presidents of the International Federation shall support the

President and may be called upon individually or collectively by the

President to assist in the execution of his/her functions. Theyparticipate in the sessions of the General Assembly in their personal

capacity.

Ex-officio

Vice-President

2 The President of the National Society of the country in which the

International Federation has its headquarters or his/her designatedrepresentative appointed from and by the governing body of that

Society shall be ex officio Vice-President.

Functions 3 The elected Vice-Presidents shall:

a) ensure communication on governance matters between the GeneralAssembly, the Governing Board and the National Societies in

their regions; and

b) promote the decisions of the General Assembly and Governing

Board, particularly in their regions.

4 In regards to the regional conferences in their regions the elected

Vice-Presidents shall serve as chairs of the relevant preparatory

bodies.

Appointment 1

Secretary General

Article 27

Secretary General of the International Federation

The Secretary General shall be appointed by the Governing Board,for a period of up to four years, renewable. The contract between the

International Federation and the Secretary General shall be drawn upby the Governing Board in accordance with the relevant provisions ofthe Rules of Procedure, any applicable conditions set by the General

Assembly and the labour law governing the International Federation.

Functions 2 The Secretary General, as defined in Article 14 is the Chief Executive

Officer of the International Federation and carries out the following

functions:

a) implement the decisions of the General Assembly and the

Governing Board;

b) be responsible for the administration of the approved budget, in

accordance with Article 36.6;


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c) direct the Secretariat and be responsible for the execution of the

work entrusted to it;

d) organise the different services of the Secretariat in accordance with

the decisions of the General Assembly and of the GoverningBoard; appoint the staff of the Secretariat, keeping in mind the

principles of gender equality and geographical distribution; and

when necessary terminate the engagements of such staff;

e) make appointments to the posts of (or equivalent to) Deputy and

Under Secretaries General, such as Directors, after obtaining the

Governing Boards approval of the candidates selected by

him/her;

f) in the absence of the President or as otherwise agreed appropriate,

represent the International Federation in its relations with othercomponents of the Movement and with other international

organisations and institutions;

g) be the authorised representative of the International Federation in

relation to third parties and courts of law for all transactions

whatsoever, including transactions executed in notarial form

relating to the acquisition, administration and expenditure of the

resources of the International Federation;

h) assure the execution of the functions set out in Article 5, including

direct relief actions or other actions decided upon by the General

Assembly or the Governing Board. In exceptional or urgent

circumstances, the Secretary General shall take all appropriate

measures after consultation with the National Society concerned

to the extent possible;

i) carry out any other function assigned to him/her by theConstitution or entrusted to him/her by the General Assembly or

the Governing Board;

j) report on the activities of the Federation to the General Assemblyand to the Governing Board;

k) keep the President and Vice-Presidents, as appropriate, closelyinformed in carrying out his/her functions; and

l) establish relations with those National Societies or organisations

recognised as auxiliaries to the public authorities in the

humanitarian field who accept and respect in their action the

Fundamental Principles, even though they may not be

components of the Movement or members of the International

Federation.


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3 The Secretary General shall ex officio be secretary of the General

Assembly and of the Governing Board and, unless the Constitutionprovides otherwise, of all bodies set up by the General Assembly and

the Governing Board. The Secretary General may delegate these

functions to other officials of the Secretariat.

Participationin the General

Assembly and

the Governing

Board

4 The Secretary General participates in the sessions of the GeneralAssembly and the Governing Board.

5 The Secretary General shall be assisted in the implementation ofhis/her executive task by a Secretariat.

6 The Secretary General shall establish the structure of the Secretariat,

the general outline of which shall be subject to the approval of the

Governing Board.

SECTION IVCONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES OF

THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION

Article 28

Constitutional Commissions and Committees

The Constitutional Commissions and Committees of the

International Federation are:

The Finance Commission;

The Youth Commission;

The Compliance and Mediation Committee;

The Election Committee.

They have advisory or such other functions as set out in this

Constitution.

Composition 1

Finance Commission

Article 29

The Finance Commission shall be composed of :

- a Chair; and


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- nine members,

appointed in a personal capacity by the General Assembly on

presentation of candidates by the Election Committee.

Functions 2 The functions of the Finance Commission shall be:

a) to give advice on all financial and risk matters affecting the


b) to comment on the financial report and on the budget drawn up by

the Secretary General;

c) to receive from the President the report of the external auditors,

and to comment on the same to the President and the Governing

Board;

d) to comment on the handling and investment of available funds andto make recommendations to the General Assembly and the

Governing Board on any financial measures which it deems

appropriate;

e) to review periodically the formula for fixing the financial

participation of National Societies and every two years to

establish the annual scale of contributions of National Societiesfor submission, through the Governing Board, to the General

Assembly for approval;

f) to establish the annual contributions of National Societies applying

for membership prior to the application being considered by the

General Assembly;

g) to hear appeals from National Societies in accordance with Article

35, paragraphs 3 and 4, to acquaint itself with arrears in paymentof contributions by National Societies and to express its views to

the Governing Board and the General Assembly on whether aSociety should be declared in default in accordance with Article

35, paragraph 5;

h) to assist the Governing Board in applying and implementing the

decisions of the General Assembly on the financial management

of the International Federation; and

i) to report on its work to each session of the General Assembly andof the Governing Board.

Authority of

the Chair

3 The Chair of the Finance Commission shall have the right to obtain

from the Secretary General all information and documents of a

financial and budgetary character and those related to risk matters.


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4 The Chair of the Finance Commission shall advise the President and

the Secretary General on all financial and risk matters affecting theInternational Federation.

Procedure 5 The procedures of the Finance Commission shall be laid down in the

Rules of Procedure.

Composition 1

Youth Commission

Article 30

The Youth Commission shall be composed of:

- a Chair; and

- eight members,

appointed in a personal capacity by the General Assembly on

presentation of candidates by the Election Committee.

Functions 2 The functions of the Youth Commission shall be:

a) to give advice on all matters concerning youth and youth-related

activities throughout the International Federation;

b) to promote and assess the implementation of the youth policydecided by the General Assembly or the Governing Board, as

well as to consider and study as requested by the Board matters

of policy development in the area of youth;

c) to review and suggest revisions of the youth policy to the

Governing Board or the General Assembly (as the case may be)

for adoption;

d) to seek youth opinions on the implementation of relevant

International Federation policies and to ensure that thoseopinions are communicated to the Statutory Bodies of the

Movement;

e) to advise the Secretary General in the implementation of the

youth policy and all other policies and strategies as they relate toyouth within the Movement; and

f) to report to the General Assembly and Governing Board on its

general activities on a regular basis.

3 The Chair of the Youth Commission shall receive from the Secretary

General all relevant information and documents necessary to enable

the Commission to fulfil its functions.


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4 The Chair of the Youth Commission shall advise the President and

the Secretary General on all issues affecting youth in the Movement.

Procedure 5 The procedures of the Youth Commission shall be laid down in the

Rules of Procedure.

1

Compliance and Mediation Committee

Article 31

A Compliance and Mediation Committee shall be established to assist

the bodies of the International Federation in taking the appropriatesteps to resolve any potential breaches of integrity on the part of a

National Society or any body of the International Federation, and tohelp settle any disagreements submitted to it.

Composition 2 The Committee shall be composed of thirteen individuals, three from

each of the four statutory regions of the International Federation, and

one individual who shall be named to serve as Chair. It shall serve as

a pool for the formation of individual panels. All members shall be

appointed by the General Assembly on presentation of candidates by

the Election Committee.

Complaints 3 Allegations of a breach of integrity or any dispute may be brought tothe attention of the Chair of the Compliance and Mediation

Committee by any National Society or body of the International

Federation.

Compliance

and Mediation

Panel

The Chair shall review the allegation in accordance with the Rules of

Procedure and if an inquiry is merited shall ensure that a panel of

three to five members is formed to consider the allegation, with due

regard to geographical representation.

Mandate of

Panel

4 Upon receipt of a complaint the panel, in accordance with the Rules

of Procedure and with full respect for due process, shall investigate

the matter and make a determination as to the nature and extent of

any breach. In cases where breaches are substantiated the panel shall

recommend to the National Society steps to resolve the matter.

5 If the matter is not resolved, the panel shall submit a report to the

Governing Board, including a summary of its findings, measures

taken to try to resolve the matter and any further action recommendedto be taken by the Governing Board or General Assembly.

6 The Compliance and Mediation Committee shall report to the

General Assembly and Governing Board on its general activities on a

regular basis.


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Election Committee

Article 32

Composition 1 The Election Committee shall be composed of:- a Chair; and

- four members, one from each of the four statutory regions,

all five to be appointed in a personal capacity by the GeneralAssembly on the proposal of the Governing Board.

Functions 2 The Election Committee shall:

a) develop electoral standards for campaigning;

b) draw up criteria for the positions of President and Vice-President, to be approved by the Governing Board at least one

year before the relevant election;

c) review against the relevant criteria the applications of all

candidates for the Governing Board (ad persona and National

Societies);

d) establish, after consultation with the Governing Board, a list of

proposals of candidates for the Finance Commission, the Youth

Commission and the Compliance and Mediation Committee,

for appointment by the General Assembly;

e) monitor and oversee all elections to these positions; and

f) announce the results of elections to these positions.

SECTION V

ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

Article 33

Election of the President, the Vice-Presidents, the National Societies

Members of the Governing Board, and the Appointment of the

Chairs and the Members of the Constitutional Bodies

Periodicity 1 Elections shall be held in ordinary sessions every four years. Theappointments of the members of the Finance Commission, Youth


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Commission, Compliance and Mediation Committee and Election

Committee shall be made in ordinary sessions every four years, notcoinciding with elections of the President, Vice-Presidents and

National Societies members of the Governing Board.

Term of office 2 The term of office of all elected and appointed positions is four years.

It begins at the close of the session of the General Assembly at whichthe incumbents have been elected/appointed and expires at the close

of the session of the General Assembly which elects/appoints their

successors.

President 3 The General Assembly elects the President in a personal capacity. Aperson who has served two consecutive four- year terms as President

is not eligible to stand again for election until a further four-year term

has elapsed.

Vice-

Presidents

4 The General Assembly elects four National Societies, one from each

of the four statutory regions established in accordance with the Rulesof Procedure, for the purpose of each of them appointing a member of

their National Society to the post of Vice-President for a period of

four years. Once appointed, the Vice-Presidents shall serve in a

personal capacity.

Societies

members of the

Board

5 The General Assembly elects twenty National Societies as members

of the Governing Board, respecting geographical distribution as set

out in the Rules of Procedure. A National Society elected member of

the Governing Board shall appoint one individual to serve as its

representative on the Governing Board. The appointed individual

should normally not be changed during the elected Societys term ofoffice. The National Societies of which the President or the Vice-

Presidents are members must not be proposed for candidature to the

Governing Board.

Rotation 6 Any National Society elected for the purpose of appointing a Vice-

President or a National Society member of the Governing Board and

having served two consecutive four-year terms in either capacity or

combinations thereof is not eligible to stand again for election until a

further four-year term has elapsed.

Chair and

members of the

Finance

Commission,

Youth

Commission,

and

Compliance

and Mediation

Committee

7 The General Assembly shall appoint the Chair and members of theFinance Commission, Youth Commission and Compliance and

Mediation Committee. Any person who has served two consecutivefour-year terms as Chair or as member of any of these bodies shall

not be eligible to stand again for election as Chair or as member of

such body until a further four-year term has elapsed.

Election

committee

8 The General Assembly shall, on the proposal of the Governing

Board, appoint the Chair of the Election Committee and four


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members, one from each of the four statutory regions.

SECTION VI

FINANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION

Article 34

Finances and Property

Civil liability 1 The International Federation shall be solely responsible, to the

exclusion of the National Societies, for all its transactions and

commitments.

Resources 2 The regular resources of the International Federation shall consist ofcontributions from National Societies and income derived from

investments.

Properties and

unrestricted

resources

3 Within the limits laid down by its general object and functions the

International Federation shall acquire, own, dispose of and administer

any property. It may accept unrestricted contributions and assistance

in any form from National Societies, individuals, governments and

other public or private bodies.

Earmarked

resources and

real estate

4 The International Federation may accept as an agent or trustee funds

or property earmarked for particular use provided that such use is

within the general scope of its activities, general object and functions.

It may accept any conveyance of real estate for its use or benefit.

Reserves 5 The International Federation may constitute and manage any reserves

or other funds for its staff or for any of its activities.

Financial year 1

Article 35Financial Contributions

The financial year shall run from 1 January to 31 December.

Statutory

contributions

2 Each National Society shall pay an annual contribution to the

International Federation in accordance with the scale of contributions

established by the Finance Commission and approved by the General

Assembly and within such time-limit as may be prescribed by theGeneral Assembly.

Appeals 3 Any National Society which contests the annual contributionapproved by the General Assembly shall have the right to appeal

immediately to the Finance Commission. However, such an appeal


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shall not invalidate the obligation of paying the uncontested part of

the annual contribution within the time-limit fixed by the GeneralAssembly.

Arrangements

for payment of

thecontribution

4 Any National Society unable, for any reason whatsoever, to pay its

contribution may refer this matter to the Finance Commission in

order to obtain appropriate arrangements enabling the NationalSociety to pay it in conformity with the conditions fixed by the

Finance Commission. However, such an appeal shall not invalidate

the obligation of paying the contribution.

Declaration in

default

5 If a National Society does not pay the amount in accordance withparagraphs 3 or 4 of the present Article, the Finance Commission

shall report the matter to the Governing Board.

The Governing Board shall receive the recommendation of the

Finance Commission and shall decide whether to declare the Society

in default or not.

Consequences

of the declara-

tion in default

6 Any National Society which has been declared in default shall not be

eligible for election or re-election to any body of the International

Federation and, if so decided by the Governing Board, shall lose itsright to vote.

Financial

obligations

7 Any National Society which has withdrawn, which has been

suspended or which has been declared in default shall remain liable

for payment of its contribution for the financial year during which

any of the foregoing steps were taken, of any arrears of previous

years and of any other debt to the International Federation.

Preparation of

budget and

financial

statements

1

Article 36

Budget

The Secretary General shall draw up the budget of the International

Federation in consultation with the Chair of the Finance Commission.

The Secretary General shall also prepare a report on the accounts

relating to the preceding financial year and submit these documents

to the Governing Board for study and to the General Assembly forapproval.

Approval of

budget and

financial

statements

2 The General Assembly shall examine and approve every two years:

a) the financial statements and reports covering the previous two

financial years;

b) the budget for the next two financial years presented by theSecretary General and recommended by the Governing Board.


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3 The Governing Board shall examine every year the annual report of

the previous financial year, presented by the Secretary General.

4 In those years in which the General Assembly does not meet the

Governing Board shall review the budget for the following year, and,

if exceptional circumstances exist, adjust that budget in the light of

those circumstances.

Financial

measures

5 Subject to the provisions of Articles 17, paragraph 3, and 23,

paragraph 3, the General Assembly, or failing it the Governing

Board, may decide on any financial measures which may appear

advisable, and shall take into consideration such recommendations asmay be made by the Secretary General or the Chair of the Finance

Commission.

Administration

and execution

of the budget

6 The Secretary General who is responsible for the administration of

the approved budget shall:

a) implement the budget as adopted, ensuring the payment of

contributions and, depending on the needs, defraying the

expenses authorised;

b) receive and hold all funds paid to the International Federation

for whatever purpose, be accountable for these funds to the

General Assembly and the Governing Board, and dispose of

them in accordance with the budget adopted; and

c) decide on the handling and investment of the available funds

after consultation with the Chair of the Finance Commission.

1

Article 37

Audit

At the close of each financial year, the accounts of that year :

a) shall be made the subject of a report prepared by the SecretaryGeneral; and

b) shall be audited and reported upon by a firm of internationally

recognised independent auditors to be designated by the GeneralAssembly on the recommendation of the Governing Board.

2 These reports shall refer to the budget and accounts of the

International Federation and shall also cover the use of funds

entrusted to the International Federation in the capacity of agent or

trustee.


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SECTION VII

CO-OPERATION

Article 38Regional Conferences

Definition 1 A Regional Conference is a meeting of the National Societies of a

statutory region as defined in the Rules of Procedure with the purposeof:

promoting co-operation, networking and partnerships amongst

the National Societies of the regions;

identifying common humanitarian concerns and issues;

striving to achieve common strategies of implementation with

regard to decisions of the General Assembly, the Council of

Delegates and the International Conference;

making proposals to the Governing Board on matters related

to the General Assembly and the Statutory Bodies of the

Movement.

Timing 2 In principle a Regional Conference shall be held in each statutory

region once every four years.

Reports from

the Secretary

General

3 The Secretary General shall provide a report for the approval of the

Governing Board on the agenda and the administrative, technical,

financial and other implications of forthcoming Regional

Conferences. He/she shall also present a report on the results of any

Regional Conference held.

Secretariat

assistance

4 The Secretary General shall assist the host National Society in

organising and holding a Regional Conference.

Applicablerules

5 A Regional Conference shall be held in conformity with theConstitution and the Rules of Procedure.

Article 39

Co-operation with the ICRC

The International Federation shall maintain close contact with the

ICRC. It shall co-operate with the latter in matters of common

concern in accordance with the Statutes of the Movement and the

agreements concluded between the International Federation and theICRC.


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Article 40

Co-operation with other international organisations

The International Federation shall co-operate within the terms of the

Constitution with international, intergovernmental and non-

governmental organisations, as it deems appropriate.

Article 41

Observers

The Governing Board and, if it is not in session, the President may,

after consultation with the members of the Governing Board and in

conformity with the Rules of Procedure, invite observers to

participate in sessions of the General Assembly.

SECTION VIII

FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 42

Regulations

1 The General Assembly shall enact by a simple majority all

regulations relating to procedure and other matters as may be

necessary for the implementation of the Constitution as well as for

the accomplishment of the tasks of the International Federation.

2 Within the framework of the Constitution and of the Rules of

Procedure in force, and subject to the approval of the General

Assembly, the Governing Board and other bodies of the International

Federation may also draw up such regulations as are necessary for theaccomplishment of their respective tasks.

3 The General Assembly may, in a manner consistent with the

Constitution, at any time amend such regulations by a simplemajority.

Article 43

Special Provisions

1 When, for any reason beyond its control, the General Assembly is

prevented from meeting and thereby from electing the President, the


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National Societies to appoint the Vice-Presidents or, the National

Societies members of the Governing Board, or from appointing theChairs and members of the constitutional bodies, those serving at that

time shall be authorised to continue to perform their function until the

end of the next session of the General Assembly.

2 When, for any reason beyond its control, the Governing Board isprevented from meeting, and decisions are indispensable or desirable,

and if the Secretary General, is prevented from consulting the

President or Vice-Presidents at the time when the session should have

been held, the Secretary General shall take such steps as may be

necessary to secure a decision by consulting the other members of theGoverning Board by the most rapid means available. In this event, the

Secretary General shall put each question in one and the same form to

all the members of the Governing Board, and in such a manner that

each question can be answered by a simple "yes" or "no". Decisions

shall then be taken by a simple majority of the replies received and

shall be valid if the number of such replies attains the quorumprovided for in Article 24, paragraph 2. Such decisions shall come

into force at the expiry of a period of twenty-one days from the date

of dispatch of the last communication.

The same procedure may be applied at any time for any important

and urgent question for which a decision of the Governing Board is

required and which cannot be postponed until the forthcoming regular

meeting of the Governing Board.

3 When circumstances no longer make it possible to obtain the

decisions mentioned in paragraph 2 of the present Article, theSecretary General shall, in exceptional cases, and in order that the

work of the International Federation may be carried on, take

decisions on all matters that are normally within the competence ofthe Governing Board. Before taking such decisions, the Secretary

General shall consult, insofar as it is possible, the President, the Vice-

Presidents and any members of the Governing Board who remain

accessible and shall keep them informed of the action taken.

4 As soon as circumstances permit, the Secretary General shall take

steps to enable the President to convene the Governing Board. When

the Governing Board meets, the Secretary General shall submit to it areport on all measures he/she has taken since the last ordinary session

of the Governing Board. At the same session, the Governing Boardshall consider, if the question arises, the convocation of the General

Assembly, in particular for the purpose of holding elections.

Article 44

Dissolution

Decisions on the dissolution of the International Federation can be

taken only by the General Assembly with a quorum of sixty-five


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percent and a qualified majority of seventy-five percent of the

National Societies present and voting. In this case, the net assets ofthe International Federation, after settlement of the debts, will be

transferred to a body with legal capacity set up by the Governing

Board with the purpose of endowing the capital of the International

Federation if reconstituted within a year from the effective date of its

dissolution, or of distributing the assets to any body or organisationthe objects of which are as close as possible to those of the

International Federation.

Article 45

Interpretation of Texts

Any question or disagreement concerning the interpretation or

application of the Constitution which for any reason is not settled by

the General Assembly shall be referred to the Governing Board andthen submitted again to the General Assembly for its final decision.

Article 46

Amendments to the Constitution

1 The provisions of the Constitution can be amended only by the

General Assembly with a quorum of sixty-five percent and a

qualified majority of seventy-five percent of the National Societies

present and voting.

2 Proposals to amend the Constitution may be put to the vote only

when submitted by a National Society supported by at least fiveNational Societies, or by the Governing Board.

Article 47

Entry into force

Subject to Article 48 this Constitution shall come into force at the endof the 16th session of the General Assembly, 23 November 2007, at

which time the former Constitution shall stand repealed.

Article 48

Transitional Provisions

FinanceCommission

1 The mandate of the Chair and members of the Finance Commissionshall be prolonged by two years until the General Assembly 2011.

These additional two years shall not be counted against the maximum


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of two consecutive terms of office. If however the Chair or a member

resigns prior to the General Assembly 2011 the General Assemblyshall fill any such vacancy during such time in accordance with the

provisions of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure then in force.

This appointment shall not count against the maximum term of two

consecutive terms of office.

Compliance

and Mediation

Committee

2 Notwithstanding Article 31, the Governing Board shall appoint at its

first ordinary session after the General Assembly 2007 the Chair and

members the Compliance and Mediation Committee for a term of

office lasting until the General Assembly 2011.

Election

Committee

Notwithstanding Article 32, the Governing Board shall appoint at its

first ordinary session after the General Assembly 2007 the Chair and

members of the Election Committee for a term of office lasting until

the General Assembly 2011.

YouthCommission

The Youth Commission set up by the General Assembly pursuant toRule 36 of the Rules of Procedure in force prior to the adoption of

this Constitution shall be regarded as the Youth Commission set out

in Article 30 as a Constitutional Body. The Chair and members

appointed by the General Assembly 2007 shall be appointed for aterm of office of four years.

The Chair of the Youth Commission at the time of the entry into

force of this Constitution shall become a Board member as set out in

Article 22.


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The Fundamental Principlesof the International Red Cross

and Red Crescent Movement

humanity The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bringassistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in itsinternational and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it

may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human

being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peaceamongst all peoples.

impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or politicalopinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by

their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

neutrality In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides inhostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or

ideological nature.

independence The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in thehumanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective

countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to

act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

voluntary

service

It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

unity There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society many one country. It mustbe open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

universality The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equalstatus and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

The Fundamental Principles were proclaimed by the XXthInternational Conference of the Red Cross, Vienna, 1965. This isthe revised text contained in the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, adopted by the XXVth

International Conference of the Red Cross, Geneva, 1986.

Constitution of the IFRC

Documents

Transcript of Constitution of the IFRC